Abstract
Stories create a direct and powerful connection between students and the course material, increasing their level of attention, bringing abstract economic concepts to life, and refining critical thinking skills. Humans of New York is a project that chronicles stories of ordinary New Yorkers. It provides an opportunity to connect students with illustrations and personal accounts of economics in the real world. This can reduce the abstract nature of theory and give students concrete examples of economic terms and concepts; in a way that reflects their own environment, culture, or experiences. We highlight these stories and show how to incorporate them into lectures.
Recommended Citation
(2026)
"Through the Lens of Life: Teaching Principles of Economics with Humans of New York,"
Journal of Economics and Finance Education: Vol. 16:
Iss.
2, Article 3.
Available at:
https://scholarship.rollins.edu/jefe/vol16/iss2/3